Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Review: Defense
Linebackers
Anthony Barr has become a revelation in his second season, finishing with 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, 3 forced fumbles and an interception (899 snaps). Barr was PFF’s second ranked linebacker for the season, finishing with a player grade of 93.4.
Eric Kendricks played well as a rookie, amassing 92 tackles (team lead) and 4 sacks (832 snaps). However, Kendricks’ pass coverage earned a grade of only 36.6, which is why his overall grade is only 58.9, ranking him number 56 for linebackers.
Chad Greenway finished with 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass defenses, 1 interception and 1 touchdown (663 snaps). Greenway was the lowest ranked starting linebacker on the Vikings with a grade of 56.2, thanks in large part to his abysmal run defense grade of 29.7.
Edmond Robinson played the most snaps of the backup linebackers (46) and had a player grade of 68.8 which would have ranked him 31 in the NFL according to PFF.
Brandon Watts played 32 snaps and finished with a grade of 58.8.
Audie Cole was the lowest rated Vikings linebacker with a grade of 40.6 in 38 snaps.
Cornerback
Captain Munnerlyn was the Vikings’ highest rated cornerback, earning a grade of 82.3 in 760 snaps. Captain’s grade brings him in at number 20 in the NFL for cornerbacks.
Terence Newman was the second highest rated Vikings’ corner with a player grade of 76.3 through 1,014 snaps. What amazes me the most is Newman’s run defense grade of 81.8, which tied him with Darrelle Revis.
Xavier Rhodes is the 58th rated corner with a player grade of 70.6, earned in 1,089 snaps.
Trae Waynes only played 215 snaps, but still ended up with a player grade of 72.9. After being one of PFF’s lowest rated corners in the preseason, it’s nice to see Waynes progress into a player who looks like he has a bright future.
Marcus Sherels is the only other Vikings corner to play snaps in 2015 (9 snaps) and earned a low grade of 53.7.
Next: Safeties and Overall